INTRODUCTION. 



The publication of Mr. Parkinson's " Organic Remains of a former World," at the commence- 

 ment of the present century, must be regarded as a memorable event in the history of British 

 Palaeontology : it was the first attempt to give a familiar and scientific account of the fossil relics 

 of animals and plants, accompanied by figures of the specimens described. 



The three volumes ^ of which the work consisted, appeared at considerable intervals ; the last 

 was published in 1811. Although nearly forty years have since elapsed, and hundreds of 

 geological works, of all kinds and degrees of merit, have subsequently been issued, Mr. Parkin- 

 son's Plates, owing to their fidelity and beauty, are stiU in such request, as to induce the pro- 

 prietor, Mr. Bohn, now that the work is out of print, to publish them, with the descriptions 

 and modern names of the fossils represented. 



I have added a few explanatory remarks, and in the " Supplementary Notes," have given 

 extended notices of some of the most interesting subjects, with the view of rendering the volume 

 more intelligible and acceptable to the general reader. 



In looking through the original work of Mr. Parkinson, the instructed observer will not fail 

 to perceive the immense progress which the study of fossil animals and plants has made since 

 the period of its first appearance in 1811. At that time, the terms Geology and Palasontology 

 were unknown ; all the sedimentary strata have since been accurately defined and arranged, and 

 names assigned to the respective systems or formations; while the s.o-c?A\eA Diluvial Epoch, which 

 Mr. Parkinson, and even Baron Cuvier, considered as established by incontrovertible physical 

 evidence, has been expunged from the chronology of geology. In Mr. Parkinson's volumes, no 

 allusion will be found to that most remarkable era in the earth's history which modern researches 

 have brought to light — the Aye ofBeptiles; the terms Ichthyosauri, Plesiosauri, Iguanodon, Mega- 

 losaurus — now familiar as household words — are not inscribed on their pages ; all those marvel- 

 lous beings of past ages have been discovered during the last forty years ; in short, the remark 

 of an eminent critic is as true as it is beautiful : — " Geology is a philosophy which never rests ; its 

 law is progress ; a point which yesterday was invisible is its goal to-day, and will be its starting- 

 post to-morrow." 



I gladly avail myself of this opportunity to make a passing allusion to the excellent and 

 accomplished author, Mr. Parkinson. I had the pleasure and privilege of his acquaintance 

 in my youth, immediately after the publication of the third volume of his valuable work. Mr. 

 Parkinson was rather below the middle stature, with an energetic, intelligent, and pleasing 

 expression of countenance, and of mild and courteous manners ; readily imparting information, 

 either on his favourite science, or on professional subjects; for he was at that time actively 

 engaged in medical practice in Hoxton Square, and was the author of several valuable medical 

 ' Three volumes, in 4to.; price lOi. 10s. 



